More than 500 workers in the Caraga region recovered over ₱11.2 million in financial entitlements during the first six months of 2026 through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Single Entry Approach (SEnA).
From January to June, 546 employees filed claims concerning unlawful termination alongside unpaid or underpaid minimum wages, 13th-month pay, separation pay, final settlements, and overtime compensation. The claims spanned multiple industries, including construction, accommodation, retail, mining, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and transport.
With a majority of grievances centered on compensation, DOLE-13 reiterated the necessity for businesses to strictly comply with statutory labor requirements.
“We remind employers that timely payment of wages and benefits is not only a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility to their workers,” DOLE-13 stated.
Out of 241 total Requests for Assistance (RFAs) received, 202 cases were successfully settled through SEnA’s mandatory conciliation proceedings, yielding a total recovery of ₱11,219,503.23 for the affected workforce.
“SEnA continues to serve as a fast, accessible and non-litigious mechanism for resolving labor disputes,” DOLE-13 noted. “Through conciliation and mediation, the agency was able to provide workers with immediate relief without the need for lengthy court proceedings.”
Accessibility proved pivotal, with 100 requests submitted digitally via the DOLE Assistance Request Management System and 141 submitted directly in regional offices.
“The availability of both online and onsite filing reflects our commitment to reach workers wherever they are,” DOLE-13 added, highlighting the need to safeguard workers in remote locations.
Reaffirming its mandate to bolster conciliation-mediation mechanisms across the region, DOLE-13 underscored the impact of the program.
“The ₱11.2 million recovered is proof that SEnA remains an effective tool in safeguarding labor rights in Caraga,” DOLE-13 said.